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 16th Annual NPCD Convocation: A Photo Essay
The program and events of the 16th Annual NPCD Convocation were centered on community building and networking, professional development, spirituality and association meetings. Here are a number of snapshots from the 2008 gathering in Indianapolis. They capture some of the amazing moments during the Convocation, reflecting the esprit de corps of NPCD members, the dedication to professionalism the association continues to foster, and the association’s commitment to excellence in catechesis. For those who attended the Convocation, we trust the pictures presented here will bring back fond memories. For those who were unable to come to Indianapolis, we hope this photo essay will encourage you to consider
attending the 17th Annual NPCD Convocation in Anaheim, California,
April 14-16, 2009.
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Community Building & Networking
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Throughout the Convocation, there were a number of occasions designed for community building and networking among members. Here are a few:
On Tuesday afternoon, a reception was held for the REEA and Mustard Seed Awardees...
From left to right: Nancy Lynn Ory (REEA), Catherine Bischoff (MS), Eileen Morgan (REEA),
Kathleen Burton, SSJ (REEA), Fred Herron (MS), Ann Northam (MS), and Barbara Eretto (MS).
On both Wednesday and Thursday morning, members gathered before
Morning Prayer for continental breakfast and conversation...
Continental Breakfast.
Prior to the keynote addresses, members gathered for a box lunch around
which good conversation and networking occurred...
Members share stories and conversation over box lunch in the NPCD hospitality room.
On Thursday afternoon, Daniel Mulhall was presented with the
prestigious Emmaus Award for his outstanding national leadership in the field of
catechesis and for his significant contributions to the mission of spreading
the Gospel, including, writing, publishing and teaching...
From left to right: Jeannette Maher, NPCD President, MaryAnn Nead, President, RCL Benziger,
Dan Mulhall, holding the Emmaus Award, Diana Dudoit Raiche, Executive Director,
Department of Religious Education, NCEA, and Matthew Thibeau, CEO, CFM Religion Publishing Group.
At the awards banquet on Thursday evening, Executive Director, Diana Dudoit Raiche,
presented Kathy Mears, diocesan coordinator for the NCEA Convention and
NPCD Convocation, a bouquet of roses as an expression of gratitude for the gracious
hospitality and steadfast support extended to NPCD by her and the diocesan staff.
Kathy Mears, Assoc. Dir. of Schools at the Archdiocese of Indianapolis receives gift of roses from
Diana Dudoit Raiche, Executive Director, Department of Religious Education, NCEA.
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Professional Development
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Throughout the Convention and Convocation, the Department offered over eighty workshops and
seminars for the professional development of parish catechetical leaders, religious education teachers and those involved in the Church’s catechetical and evangelizing mission. Highlights within the
Convocation’s focus on professional development include:
Rev. Msgr. John E. Kozar, National Director, Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States, opened the Convention with remarks celebrating the 100th anniversary of the United States being “mission independent”...
Rev. Msgr. John E. Kozar, National Director, Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States.
Twelve religious education publishers participated in the Publishers’ Showcase, offering parish catechetical leaders and religious education teachers a look at new products and services for use in parishes and schools...
Highlighting the Convention theme—Crossroads: Where Challenge Meets Opportunity—ValLimar Jansen presented an inspiring and moving keynote address, “The Exciting Crossroads, Experience.”...
ValLimar Jansen inviting members into prayer.
Dan Mulhall delivered a challenging keynote address to attendees,
“Celebrating Professional Catechetical Leaders.”
Dan Mulhall making a point during keynote presentation.
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Spirituality
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This year the convocation program increased opportunity for members to come together for communal prayer and the nurturing of the spirit by the Spirit. At the beginning of each day, members gathered to pray. On Wednesday, Mark Friedman, Janet Vogt and Christopher Walker provided sacred music. Jerry Galipeau led the music on Thursday, and David Haas on Friday...
Members at prayer.
David Haas, leading Friday’s Morning Prayer at the Crossroad.
On Wednesday afternoon, David Anderson led Taize Prayer.
David Anderson leading Taize Prayer.
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NPCD Convocation Meetings
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During the three and a half day convocation, members gathered together several times
for business meetings. Opening ceremonies, began with prayer after which regional
representatives placed their region on a banner depicting the Crossroads convention theme...
Members at NPCD Opening Convocation Ceremony.
Names of the regions complete the road map on the Convention logo, “Where Challenge Meets Opportunity.”
During the regional meetings, members discussed the challenges
and opportunities and offered input for NCEA’s strategic plan...
Members discussing strategic plans and direction.
During the issues forum, following Dan Muhall’s keynote address,
members focused on the future direction of the association...
Members ponder challenges facing catechetical ministry and leadership.
At the Friday business meeting, Jeannette Maher passed the gavel to the new NPCD president, Colleen Gerke...
Exchange of presidential leadership.
While pictures often convey what words cannot, presence and participation in the convocation
program’s events and activities offers a dimension and experience that neither words nor pictures
can express. Plan now for the 106th NCEA Convention and 17th NPCD Convocation in Anaheim, CA.
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